Warren James Bell
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Memorial services for Warren James Bell, 86, Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2015 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, KS. There will also be a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Burr United Methodist Church in Burr, NE. Inurnment will follow at Wilcox Cemetery in Burr, NE. Warren passed away Monday, July 6, 2015 in Lawrence surrounded by his family.
He was born September 6, 1928 in Superior, NE the son of John Ernest and Lucy (Keifer) Bell.
He graduated high school from Guide Rock, NE. He attended the University of Nebraska where he received his Bachelors in Education and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He then received his Master’s Degree from the University of Kansas.
Warren served his country in the United States Army from 1951 – 1953 during the Korean War as a small arms instructor.
He was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church and a member of Kiwanis. Warren was a scout leader. He enjoyed photography, traveling, genealogy and had a deep appreciation of Native American Culture and art. He continued to grow in study, spirituality and faith. His family was his garden.
He began his teaching career as superintendent of schools at Burr, Nebraska, and continued his career at the Kansas State Department of Education in Topeka, Kansas. He finished his career as the Assistant Commissioner of Instruction until he retired in 1990.
He married Barbara Lee Ballard June 7, 1953 in Douglas, NE. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his four children, Gregg Warren Bell, Julesburg, CO, Susan Renè Rich and husband, Mark, Tucson, AZ, Julie Ann Bruington, Independence, KS, Lisa Bell-Perico and husband, Doug, Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Jeremy Bruington, Jessica Bruington, Kyle Bell, Erin Bell, Shabrie Perico, Cambria Perico, Damon Perico; sister, Julia Fuchs and husband, Lawrence; and brother, Samuel Bell and wife, Glenny. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Bell; and son-in-law, Jeff Bruington.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Plymouth Congregational Church, American Cancer Society or the National Kidney Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
I am so sorry for your loss! Mr. Bell was a wonderful man who was incredibly kind. I have many fond memories of him and am so glad I had the opportunity to know him. I hope all of your memories will comfort you during this difficult time.
It was my pleasure to have met Mr. Warren Bell through our weekly “Davita” spa treatments. He was a good man with a sense of humor. I always enjoyed our small conversations-for one, he was really proud of his grandson who excel in high school sports. He always carried a picture of him and would show it to me time to time. My sincere condolences to the Bell family.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts & prayers. Julie, just think of your dad & Jeff together now in heaven joking around & trying to stay out of trouble! They are happy and safe in God’s loving arms now where they will wait until that final, big, happy reunion when Jesus returns!
I have been saying and truelly feel the world is not right without you, Uncle Warren! I wish we could have been there to say goodbye and love on your family as they say goodbye. We love you and look forward to seeing you again with my dad in Heaven.
God bless you Barbara, Gregg, Susan, Julie and Lisa! He is a wonderful man and he is so missed.
Love, Laurie
I’m sorry for your loss. As a passenger with the T Lift Warren was one of my favorite passengers. He always was cheerful and loved talking about the local goings on and such. He will be greatly missed. Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Bell family.